University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Wisconsin School of Business

The Wisconsin School of Business MBA: What You Need To Know

Wisconsin is a hidden gem of a business school that annually enrolls 80-100 full-time MBAs each year. The small, intimate nature of the program, the applied projects handed to students, and the emphasis on specialized study areas make Wisconsin MBAs well-prepared for their careers in business.

Madison is the state capital and has a thriving business community with several Fortune 500 companies, such as American Family Insurance, Exact Sciences, and CUNA Mutual Group. The city is surrounded by lakes and parks, making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts as well.

Applied learning is a cornerstone of the Wisconsin MBA program’s curriculum, and “collaboration over competition” is highly valued. Throughout the first semester, students are assigned to work within cross-functional and diverse teams. In their first semester, the general business core delivers an integrated perspective on key functional areas of business. The second semester addresses fundamental management principles, stressing the application of these principles to functional areas. Core courses are taken as a cohort to develop camaraderie and teamwork among students. The first year also includes at least three courses in students’ career specialization.

The specialized preparation that begins during the first year of the program is the primary focus the second year. To thoroughly grasp all aspects of a chosen specialization, students take up to eight classes in 10 different specialized areas that range from arts administration and brand & product management to real estate and supply chain management.

“The specialization model at Wisconsin was the perfect way to experience and take advantage of large-school opportunities and still get the personalized touch of a curated curriculum and active advisors. To switch careers to marketing, I saw how Wisconsin’s model would accelerate my knowledge in the field and connect me with positions and companies,” says Victoria Schetelich, Class of 2020.

To apply, prospective students must submit materials such as GRE/GMAT, their resume, professional recommendations, attend an interview, and answer optional essay questions which gives students an opportunity to share their experiences and allows the committee to get to know students on a personal level.

As for co-curricular opportunities, when they aren’t studying or attending a professional club, conference, case competition, or career fair, many students are dedicated to cheering on their Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin School of Business MBA Rankings Data

Wisconsin School of Business MBA Employment Stats

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